Mesoblast Limited

Channel 10 News - 3 June 2005

Transcript

NEWSREADER :

World first research could slash recovery time for some broken bones and other medical conditions. And the Melbourne-based scientists say the technology may even revolutionise injury treatment for elite athletes.

REPORTER :

A horrific injury that could end a lucrative and blossoming career. Both bones in Nathan Brown's legs snapped, meaning he'll be out of footy indefinitely. Researchers say new stem cell technology could reduce recovery time for some fractures by as much as 50 per cent, even suggesting players bank stem cells as a biological insurance policy.

PROFESSOR SILVIU ITESCU, MESOBLAST :

If this athlete had a very severe, traumatic injury that potentially could be career threatening, you'd have these cells ready and available to be inserted directly into that fracture site.

REPORTER :

Brown's fracture is healing well of its own accord, but Professor Itescu says it's precisely the type of injury that could benefit.

ITESCU :

We then can have a million-fold increase in these type of cells and accelerate and repair the bone fracture.

REPORTER :

But applications for the research extend far beyond broken bones and elite athletes. Regeneration of soft tissues and even heart muscles will feature in the first clinical trials over the next few weeks.

DR RODNEY DILLEY – RESEARCH SCIENTIST :

People with intervertebral disc injuries can get repaired. People with arthritis and severe articular cartilage damage can get repaired.

REPORTER :

As well as the medical benefits, the research could open the door to a largely untapped, multi-billion dollar market.

END OF SEGMENT

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